I would assume the engraved ones would bring more money,I would imagine a thousand dollars the top,for the most desirable size,hardware,and engraving.

Nope , it's not engraved. I did se a 5.5" go for $1200+ on ebay a few weeks ago but I have not seen the 6.5......

This one has been on the market a loooooong time...

asking B.I.N. = $2K.... I like that he calls this the Holy Grail... can't imagine what a '20's Triumphal would be though?

http://cgi.ebay.com/LUDWIG-BLACK-BEAUTY-holy-grail-era-bl-ol-round-badge-/260603761925?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cad31d505

I've posted pics of this drum in another thread so I won't bother here

Yeah, I have seen that auction. Looks like an 80's drum .... Pretty funny. Perhaps he would make out better if he did a straight auction with an opening bid of .99.......

He also has a couple of recent "Anniversary" models for sale that seem high to me as well.

To me it just escapes basic economic logic. When the price is that high people look for substitutes -- at that price you should be able to fetch an engraved BB from the same era with plenty of change. Heck I bought a 100th Anniversary BB for a few hundred less than he is asking!

I also saw someone trying to sell two 90th Anniversary snares on eBay for the $2,800 range Eye Ball

I'm just not sure what parallel universe some of these sellers dwell in ... but I bet it's always sunny flower

No one who has played both a 70's and the new Black Beauty has an opinion on sound differences if any? No one in this forum has any idea of the value of a 70's 6.5" Black Beauty? Hmmmm......

I agree about the obvious state of the economy, but I also think that the fact these 6.5" from the 70's are few and far between plays into the equation. I did see the 70's super sensitive BB the recently sold for $1200 and the 5.5" that I mentioned . I guess it's a waiting game.

I own a 73 (aprox) 6 1/2x 14 BB.Despite extreme abuse,dents,missing tone control,chipped varnish and one wrong rim,no drum I've ever owned sounds quite like it.Very versitile,warm tone.I also own a modern 90's black and white badge brass Ludwig with the same dimensions.In my not-studio trained opinion,they could be made to sound similar-similar enough to save $5-600.I got the newer one in trade @ GC for a Pearl Sensitone and $100.The newer drum has Acrolite style lugs,not Imperials.

I own a 78 BB and have also played a friends 2000 Bb a few times.

In my opinion the78 sound much rounder and fatter while the modern version has more of a crack to it. Both snares sound amazing (set up with the same heads - ambassador top and bottom) but i would always prefer my 70s black beauty.

When it comes to value, it really depends on the condition. Mine is in good condition with some wear, but was still guessed to have a value of 700 euros (almost 1000 dollars). A guy i know just sold his Nos 1977 BB in perfect condition for 1000 euros (1250 dollars), from germany to america, so there must be some value.

Well thanks ! Your reply was helpful and will be taking into consideration in my decision. It sounds like the 70's BB sonically would suit my needs. I was guessing the asking price to be about right too. I'm sure I could get one a bit cheaper but they really don't come up for sale very often so .....